Acting USSS director avoiding Cheatle’s mistakes: Laphonza Butler

Acting director Ronald Rowe Jr. said shooting makes him feel 'ashamed'
His willingness to admit fault contrasts with former Director Cheatle
Sen. Laphonza Butler says lawmakers have higher confidence in Rowe

Updated: Jul 30, 2024 / 05:47 PM CDT

(NewsNation) — Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., believes acting United States Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. is being careful to avoid the pitfalls of his predecessor, Kimberly Cheatle.

Rowe’s Tuesday testimony was a stark contrast to Cheatle’s, with the acting leader admitting he could not defend the lack of security at former President Donald Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. He told lawmakers seeing the site made him “ashamed.”

“We have more of a sense of confidence in the acting director’s approach to this, his commitment to policy changes, his commitment to accountability,” Butler said on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports.”

Butler acknowledged that it is tough to hold a Secret Service position in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump, but Rowe’s hands-on knowledge of the site has helped.

“He’s trying to be as direct as he possibly can [to] maintain the morale of his officers and those who continue, who continue today and every day being asked to serve in some of the most dangerous roles,” she added.